Area shelters waive adoption fees Saturday as part of nationwide Clear the Shelters event | Local News

Been thinking about adding a dog or cat to your household? Saturday may be the perfect time.

That's the day all furry shelter occupants at the Aggieland Humane Society and the Bryan Animal Center will be free to adopt as part of a nationwide event known as Clear the Shelters. Those who lead the area facilities say they hope with the adoption fees waived, more cats and dogs will find families than ever before.

Animals can be adopted at the Aggieland Humane Society from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. Saturday, and at the Bryan Animal Center from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. While it's free to take your new furry family member home, shelter officials at both facilities say proper paperwork must be completed and approved before taking a new pet home.

"We are encouraging people to look at the animals ahead of time and fill out an adoption form on Friday," said Bryan Animal Center supervisor Julianne Burkhalter.

Families will need to show that any current pets have the proper vaccinations before a new animal enters the home, and must also communicate their landlord's permission for the animal to go home to an apartment or rented house.

"If an individual is not approved by us on Saturday, we're not going to put the animal on hold for them," Burkhalter said. "We'll still put your adoption application on file, but remember, it's first-come, first-adopt."

Kathy Bice of Aggieland Humane also urged new adopters be ready by filling out paperwork today in order to ensure adopting the animal of their choice. Both shelter leaders said their organizations have reached full capacity, if not overflowing. The shelters work hard to delay and prevent the euthanasia of any animals, but community participation in adoption and fostering plays a critical role in ensuring that a cat or dog lives a full, healthy life.

"Our goal is to save every treatable, adoptable animal," Bice said.

Aggieland Humane currently hosts 130 animals, while Bryan Animal Center is holding about 50 cats and 50 dogs of varying ages.

Burkhalter listed a few animals who have been at the Bryan Animal Center longer than most, and could especially use a home: Cielo, the pit bull terrier puppy, who has light eyes and a heart-shaped spot around her nose; Roscoe, the medium-sized hound mix; and Mrs. Fluffy, the stray kitten who can't catch a break. Cielo is going through heartworm treatment, and Roscoe and Mrs. Fluffy have been passed over many times over the past few months. At Aggieland Humane, Bice didn't point out any specific animals waiting in line, but said the shelter has an expansive selection of dog breeds available, including mixes of German shepherds, shar-peis, basset hounds, Labrador retrievers, pit bull terriers, Chihuahuas and more.

The Clear the Shelter event was a big success for both shelters last year. Both shelter leaders said the majority of animals adopted during the event do go to a permanent home.

"We have not had an issue with [returns]," Burkhalter said. "We've been doing this for several years, and I'd say the retention rate is no different than it is any normal time of the year. We still need you to meet the same qualifications that we ask for any normal day of the year."

The Bryan Animal Center's adoption fees have been covered by local company BCS Air Solutions, while Aggieland Humane's are covered by the efforts of several generous donors.

Adopters will be asked to show proof that their residence allows cats or dogs of the relevant size and breed. Homeowners must show proof of home ownership. Any adopters wanting to introduce current pets to new animals at either shelter must bring proof of their current pet's vaccinations. All animals at both shelters have been vaccinated, spayed or neutered and micro chipped. Pets from the Bryan Animal Center will still require rabies vaccinations once acquired by their new owner. Adopters will need to discuss the current heartworm status of the animal desired at both shelters. The Aggieland Humane Society recommends apartment residents refrain from adopting dogs weighing over 25 pounds.

"You need to make sure that your pets at home are already vaccinated and have Brazos County tags," Bice said. "Make sure your landlord allows for pets, see if the deposit is refundable or not. Overall, just make sure you're ready for a new pet. A new pet is like getting a new member of your family."